Jackson returned to practice Wednesday after being suspended for the first four games for a violation of the league’s substance abuse policy. The secondary had struggled mightily in his absence with Sabby Piscitelli giving up big plays early on and Jermaine Phillips suffering a season-ending injury.

Jackson isn’t officially back on the 53-man roster yet and the Bucs have an exemption for a week. But they’re expected to activate Jackson some time before Sunday.

Jackson’s return means the Bucs will have their best defensive back on the field for the first time this year. He’ll jump into a starting role opposite Piscitelli and veteran Will Allen will return to a backup role.